Blackhawks 2019-20 season in review: David Kampf

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The NHL put its 2019-20 season on pause March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but remains hopeful to award the Stanley Cup at some point. Although it's unclear if or when it could return, NBC Sports Chicago will recap the season of each Blackhawks player to date in our "season in review" series. Next up is David Kampf.

The Blackhawks have a solid track record of identifying and signing players from overseas, with Antti Niemi and Artemi Panarin at the top of the list. You could even throw Dominik Kubalik into that category even though he was acquired via trade. The Blackhawks clearly saw something in him and felt he was worth giving up a fifth-round draft pick for.

David Kampf isn't exactly in the same ballpark as the three names listed above because he's a different kind of player, but he's made an impact in his own way. The 25-year-old forward can play center or wing and has carved out a nice role as a fourth-line player.

"Kampy is a workhorse," head coach Jeremy Colliton said in October. "He takes a lot of responsibility defensively and can transport the puck from one end to another."

Speaking of defensive responsibility, only Jonathan Toews (296) has been on the ice for more defensive zone faceoffs at 5-on-5 among team forwards than Kampf (272), according to Natural Stat Trick. And only Ryan Carpenter (166:06) has logged more minutes on the penalty kill among team forwards than Kampf (151:39).

Despite being heavily relied upon in defensive situations, Kampf is also producing at a career rate on offense. After scoring eight goals across his first two seasons in Chicago, he matched that total this season in his 66th game and was on pace to tie his career high point total of 19.

While he’s not the flashiest player, Kampf is someone coaches appreciate because he's a hard worker and gets the job done quietly but effectively. There were moments over the last two seasons where Kampf was rewarded with top-six ice time, but he's much better suited in a bottom-six role on a good team. 

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